The 1998 Subaru Forester belongs to the first generation of the model, establishing Subaru's footing in the crossover SUV market. This all-wheel-drive vehicle came equipped with a 2.5-liter flat-4 engine, delivering a respectable 165 horsepower. It also had a 5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic transmission. The Forester was available in base and S trim levels, with the latter offering added luxuries such as heated seats and mirrors. Notably, the Forester featured standard full-time AWD—a rarity in the class at the time—along with antilock brakes and dual front airbags. Despite lacking modern infotainment amenities, the Forester had a reputation for its rugged reliability, practicality and impressive safety features for its era.